Some years ago, it was Open Day in my children’s school, and I visited and spent some good time in their individual classes talking about their academic performances and behaviour in school. And then my daughter’s teacher began commending me on the content of their lunch box. I eat healthy at least 80% of the time, so I’ve been able to pass it on to my children. But the story she told me got me really shocked and worried for other kids who have been exposed to poor eating habits and choices. It’s quite sad.
There was a child whose parents sent her to school every day with a bottle of a particular brand of fizzy drink. On an average day, a bottle of soda contains not less than seven cubes of sugar. I mean, the smallest 35-cl bottle size. Out of concern, the teacher approached the child’s mom and tried to get her to see that this was a dangerous habit for the child and could pose a serious health risk in the future for the child, but she was told to mind her business. And she did. We are talking about a five-year-old child at the time.
Some schools that I know of have banned all forms of junk food, unhealthy snacks, and fizzy drinks from their premises. They only accept homemade meals for their pupils. You can do junk at home if you like, but they won’t accept it in school. This has also been extended to teachers. This action will definitely go a long way towards making parents and even the children aware of the difference and what is and is not good. I think more schools should insist on this for the sake and well-being of their pupils.
In case you’re not yet aware, gone are the days when high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and other lifestyle conditions were for only the middle-aged. These days, teens suffer from hypertension, and younger children suffer from diabetes. I have seen young ‘uns on documentaries taking insulin shots. We need to be more proactive in guarding against these and raising more healthy children.
As with home training and religion, healthy eating is something that should be inculcated in children from a very early stage. As early as possible. The first time my son was offered sweets by a friendly neighbour at the age of two, he refused to accept them ‘cos he didn’t know what it was. She was surprised and said this was the first child she had met who didn’t rush to accept sweets. Why? Because I never offered him any at home. Same with packaged fruit drinks. If it’s not freshly squeezed, it’s a no. They all contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, colour and preservatives.
When they grow up eating the right things, they will continue with it. I don’t just stop there, I also tell them the danger and risks unhealthy foods pose to our health, so they know.
Instead of fizzy drinks, good old water remains the best drink for hydration and nourishment. And then freshly squeezed juice, kunu and zobo are also good, just make sure they aren’t loaded with sugar.
Eating fruits in their most natural form is even better because of the roughage/fibre they contain. I always like to cut oranges into wedges and put them on their plates. Berries too and even a finger of banana. These ones hold well in their lunch bag till lunchtime without going rancid or soggy.
Sandwiches should be layered with veggies (lettuce, avocado and tomatoes).
Chips are good but potatoes when baked or boiled can also be enjoyable.
Rice and yams can have vegetables chopped into them. Just find ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their meals.
Whatever foods are healthy for the health-conscious adult is also suitable for children. The idea for this is so they don’t struggle as adults to eat healthy and so they don’t also suffer the same health conditions their parents suffered.
Now here is another one. Probably the most important of all. They have to see you eat it. It’s terribly unfair to attempt to make your child eat tomatoes and cucumbers when they’ve never seen you eat them. Children will only eat what they see you eat. I make a huge bowl of salad for myself but somehow, my kids end up eating it up and I have to go make another for myself. Children want to eat with you and also eat whatever they see you eat. So, eat good food for their sakes.
The saying that we are what we eat always shows at the end. This is true because we eventually become what we eat. Good or bad.
- Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.
